Munchetty named host of BBC Radio5 live slot

Naga Munchetty, one of the four main presenters on BBC Breakfast, has been named host of the mid-morning program on Radio 5 live, reports The Guardian.

In her new role, Munchetty will take over from Emma Barnett, who is leaving the post to take over Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour after the departures of Jane Garvey and Dame Jenni Murray.

Heidi Dawson, the controller of 5 live, said Munchetty was:

 “A brilliant broadcaster and a fearless journalist” who would be a perfect fit for the program.

“She impressed us while working briefly at the station in the summer, when our listeners loved her warmth, wit and straight-talking interview style. I’m sure she will make the mid-morning program a must listen. I can’t wait to hear her interviewing the biggest names in news and telling stories from around the UK that you won’t hear anywhere else.”

Munchetty will be presenting the 10am-1pm radio program on Mondays to Wednesdays from January, while continuing presenting BBC Breakfast.

Munchetty added:

“I have always wanted to work more in radio and after such an enjoyable experience presenting on the station recently, I jumped at this opportunity. 5 live has one of the most passionate, engaged audiences in radio. The prospect of talking to those listeners every week really excites me. I can’t wait to get stuck into the role.”

Munchetty started out as a financial journalist at the Evening Standard and she has worked for Reuters, CNBC Europe and Channel 4 News. She joined the BBC in 2008, presenting the business news program “Working Lunch.”